Awake, for morning in the bowl of night has flung the stone that puts the stars to flight.

And, lo, has caught the sultan’s turret in a noose of light!

Spanish life is not always likeable but it is compellingly loveable: Christopher Howse: ‘A Pilgrim in Spain’

Travel News

Another day of much driving, culminating in arrival at our Zaragoza hotel at 22.15, ready for bed. As in Soria, this had a bath for me to sink into. Always a feature I appreciate, especially on a camino hike.

By and large, the roads – as usual in Spain – were excellent. But between Soria and Zaragoza there are stretches of N roads which were almost primitive by contrast with the newer A roads. And as dead straight – and as empty – as any you see on US TV. The ever-changing landscape was, of course a surprise and a delight.

None of our 3 visits – Nuévalos, Albarracín and Teruel – disappointed in any way, though we did find the service in the centre of Teruel to be a tad slow. And the lunch at the Monasterio de Piedra near Nuévalos was OK – and quick – but nothing to write home about.

The highlight of our visit to the magnificent Albarracín – at least for my old friend, if not for me – was the 5-10 vultures circling above the city. Though the sight of a possible griffin elsewhere got him even more excited. It was for things like this that he’d brought binoculars:-

Now for a day or 2 in Zaragoza, a place I didn’t do justice to last October. And a trip outside the city to the famous ruins of Belchite.

Cosas de España

Something on the very recent rains and floods in the southern half of Spain. Fatal in some places.

A step forward? The leader of the opposition PP has said. “Pedro Sánchez’s interests cannot determine the politics of our country.” As if his approach is any different! As an aside, you see that Sra Díaz has a rather larger conk. In cartoons reminiscent of Nazi antisemitic propaganda, the dreadful far-right Vox party has made rather a lot of this.

I struggled to understand this article on Iberia’s flight costs but it might be of value to some. And I am desperate for content, ahead of another day as a tourist.

More relevantly . . . A friend of mine has written – at the request of the British Government – this guide to moving to Spain. And it’s free! So, I’ll be taking a look at it as soon as I can. Age in Spain, is a new organisation to me. But, then, I was a mere stripling when I came here . . . And, thanks to Spain’s delights, am even younger now.

The UK

Possibly something we’d all welcome. Even dyed-in-the-wool libertarians.

Germany

Things aren’t going too well there, either. Economically and politically. But, then, these are rather connected.

Finally . . .

Wolves face an uncertain future, in Galicia as elsewhere. The VdG today: A real danger for livestock and also for humans This is how the president of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, expressed herself yesterday when talking about the wolf and a possible relaxation in its protection in Europe. That change of opinion comes after losing her pony to a herd attack. But many countries have been asking for a tougher hand against this European predator for some time. And they request “active management” ie hunting it.

For new readers:- If you’ve landed here looking for info on Galicia or Pontevedra, try here. If you’re passing through Pontevedra on the Camino, you’ll find a guide to the city there – updated a bit in early July 2023